TO PREPARE FOR A HOSPITAL STAY

Gynecologic surgery that involves the reproductive system is quite common among the women. An example is hysterectomy surgery. In this surgery the uterus and sometimes-other parts of the reproductive tract are removed. It is considered the second most common gynecologic surgery after Caesarean section. For any woman facing a surgery could be a frightening experience. They might get fraught with various questions, doubts and uncertainties about the surgery.

The good thing is that most of the surgeries are elective. It means it is up to you to decide if surgery is the best option for you. You can also elect the procedure for your surgery. While deciding the process you get the required time to prepare yourself for the surgery. Research suggests that women who are prepared mentally and physically for surgery not only have fewer complications and less pain but also recover more quickly than those who are not prepared.

The trend in gynecologic surgery has changed these days. Now there are less invasive techniques that don't require surgeons to cut into the abdomen with large incisions. Even new faster-acting anesthetics have also been developed that have fewer side effects than traditional anesthetic agents. At the same time settings for surgery have changed, too. Now it is no more what it was less than a decade ago. Today having surgery does not mean being admitted to the hospital a day ahead and getting discharged after a week.

Today, more than half of all surgeries, including many gynecological procedures, are done on an outpatient basis. Outpatient surgery is a surgery that does not require the patient's overnight hospital stay. Instead, this kind of surgery is performed at a hospital ambulatory surgery center or the doctor's clinic. And the patient is allowed to return home in less than 24 hours. Usually outpatient, which is also called ambulatory surgery, is considered appropriate for simple procedures that can be done in 60 to 90 minutes. In such a surgery the patient doesn't need to be closely monitored afterwards.

There are several advantages of outpatient surgery over the surgery that requires hospitalization, such as:

• A lower risk of infection after surgery
• A shorter recovery period
• Recovery at home
• Fewer delays and shorter waiting times
• Less cost
• Less disruption of your schedule

In case a large incision has to be made or there is increased risk of complications in a patient, same-day surgery may not be an option. It is noticeable that outpatient surgery is not for everyone. Women with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure (hypertension) or who are otherwise at risk for complications that could require hospitalization, might not be eligible for it.

The patient might find several responsibilities attached to the same-day surgery. For example:

• To complete the necessary preoperative tests
• Manage pain medications
• Keep incisions clean
• Follow through with postoperative care on their own
• A woman who has small children to care for at home may be unwilling or unable to take on the added responsibility and may not be a good candidate for same-day surgery.

Preparing Emotionally
One should not forget that surgery also has an emotional impact on the patient. Presumptions such as a hysterectomy ruins the sex life or leaves the patient tired for months, cam make a woman feel depressed, fearful or even angry with her body. Some of the women find it really discouraging to be hospitalized and get separated from their family members. For others even the simple procedures done at a doctor's clinic can provoke a strong reaction on this issue.